Community Bulletin Board

Monday, February 6, 10:30 am to 11:15 am

Reading and Nature

Kettle Pond Visitor Center, Charlestown

Designed as a story time for pre-school aged youth, this activity is sure to be great fun for the youngest naturalists among us. Join volunteer Helen Johnson to explore nature using the five senses. Then, after reading, take part in other fun activities including finger plays, arts and crafts, movement and more - this month we'll be exploring frogs, fish and ponds!
Helen Johnson, USFWS Volunteer

Tuesday, February 7, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Chariho Girls Softball Registration

Dow Field

Register NOW for the Chariho Girls Softball League 2012 Spring season!
Chariho Girls Softball League welcomes girls ages 5-18 to sign up for our spring 2012 season. Registration available online through http://www.charihogirlssoftball.com or in person at Dow Field.
Dow Field registrations will be held at the following times:
Tuesday, February 7, 6-8 p.m.
Thursday, February 9, 6-8 p.m.
Saturday, February 11, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Wednesday, February 15, 6-8 p.m.
Thursday, February 16, 6-8 p.m.
Saturday, February 18, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Deadline to register for the 2012 season is March 1st!

There will be a $10 charge for any late registrations.

Wednesday, February 8, 11:30 am

Kids Art with Miss Annie

Join Miss Annie for free art classes working with watercolors. Children under 5 must be accompanied by an adult.

Thursday, February 9, 8:00 am to 9:00 am

Ease into Yoga

An introduction to yoga class for any one and every one. Bring a yoga mat or a towel. Led by Cathy Hill. Please register by calling 401-364-6211 or email nancy@crossmills.org. Free.

Thursday, February 9, 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

AARP Tax Help

Need help filing your income tax return? Meet with representatives from AARP for free assistance in the Champlin Room of the library. No appointment necessary. Free.

Thursday, February 9, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Chariho Girls Softball Registration

Dow Field

Register NOW for the Chariho Girls Softball League 2012 Spring season!
Chariho Girls Softball League welcomes girls ages 5-18 to sign up for our spring 2012 season. Registration available online through http://www.charihogirlssoftball.com or in person at Dow Field.
Dow Field registrations will be held at the following times:
Thursday, February 9, 6-8 p.m.
Saturday, February 11, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Wednesday, February 15, 6-8 p.m.
Thursday, February 16, 6-8 p.m.
Saturday, February 18, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Deadline to register for the 2012 season is March 1st!

There will be a $10 charge for any late registrations.

Thursday, February 9, 6:30 pm

Chess Club for All Ages

All ages and all levels of experience are welcome to attend our Chess Club. Boards and mats will be provided.  Free.

Friday, February 10, 6:00 pm

Valentine's Day Celebration at Frosty Drew Observatory

Frosty Drew in Ninigret Park

Valentine themed viewing at Frosty Drew Observatory featuring "stellar" poetry and romantic constellation myths reenacted in the Sky Theatre.

Friday, February 10, 7:00 pm

Valentine’s Concert

Featuring Lisa Schmitz and Friends performing a selection of bluegrass, Irish, folk and blues music. All are welcome. Free.

Saturday, February 11, 9:00 am

BIRDING WALK #1

Participants will enjoy a mid-winter walk at a management area in the watershed for an easy walk to search for birds.

Exact location will be announced prior to the event

Pre-registration required, with preference given to those who attended the January 21 Program.
Participants must have binoculars. Field Guides optional.
Please consider a donation for this free event.

For More Information Contact: Danielle Aube: danielle@wpwa.org

Saturday, February 11, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Connecting With Nature Through the Arts

Kettle Pond Visitor Center, Charlestown

Create your own crafts, using mainly recycled materials, while learning about wildlife.
Shannon Griffith and Rachel Schilke, USFWS Volunteers

Saturday, February 11, 10:00 am

Fur, Feathers and Scales

The Audubon Society of Rhode Island will be conducting a hands-on learning program with fur, feathers and scales. Featuring live animals. Free.

Saturday, February 11, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

General Astronomy Class

62 Park Lane, Ninigret Park

Observatory Director Francine Jackson will take you on the path through history to the current theories of our planet's motion in space; meet our neighbors the planets and other objects in our solar system; and discover individual stars, clusters, and galaxies found in our universe. No knowledge of the subject is needed

Where: Frosty Drew Sky Theater
When: Saturdays Feb 4 - Feb 18, 2012 2:00-4:00pm
Cost: $36 for all three sessions

Pre-registration is required. To register, send your name, address, phone number, and a check, payable to:
Frosty Drew Memorial Fund, to P.O. Box 160, Charlestown, RI 02813.
For further information, contact Frosty Drew at: 401.364.9508 or email us at astronomer@frostydrew.org

Saturday, February 11, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Birding for Beginners – Birding by Habitat

Trustom Pond NWR, South Kingstown

Different habitats attract different avian species. In this program, participants will first learn how to determine which species they might find by analyzing the surrounding habitat. Afterwards we will search for bird species typically found on the woodland habitat of Trustom Pond NWR. Some ID guides and binoculars will be available to those who do not have their own.
Shannon Griffith, USFWS Volunteer

Saturday, February 11, 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm

AARP Tax Help

Need help filing your income tax return? Meet with representatives from AARP for free assistance in the Champlin Room of the library. No appointment necessary. Free.

Sunday, February 12, 1:00 pm

Valentine's Nature Walk

Francis C. Carter Preserve (former UNC property)

Nature is romantic. Escape the hum-drum and explore one of Rhode Island’s wild places instead. Something unexpected always turns up. Plus the meadow trail is wide enough for hand holding! Meet at the parking lot at Old Mill Road.

All of our guided nature walks are free. To register, please call Tim Mooney at (401) 529-1072.

More about Francis C. Carter Memorial Preserve

Monday, February 13, 10:30 am to 11:15 am

Reading and Nature

Kettle Pond Visitor Center, Charlestown

Designed as a story time for pre-school aged youth, this activity is sure to be great fun for the youngest naturalists among us. Join volunteer Helen Johnson to explore nature using the five senses. Then, after reading, take part in other fun activities including finger plays, arts and crafts, movement and more - this month we'll be exploring frogs, fish and ponds!
Helen Johnson, USFWS Volunteer

Thursday, February 16, 8:00 am to 9:00 am

Ease into Yoga

An introduction to yoga class for any one and every one. Bring a yoga mat or a towel. Led by Cathy Hill. Please register by calling 401-364-6211 or email nancy@crossmills.org. Free.

Thursday, February 16, 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

AARP Tax Help

Need help filing your income tax return? Meet with representatives from AARP for free assistance in the Champlin Room of the library. No appointment necessary. Free.

Thursday, February 16, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Chariho Girls Softball Registration

Dow Field

Register NOW for the Chariho Girls Softball League 2012 Spring season!
Chariho Girls Softball League welcomes girls ages 5-18 to sign up for our spring 2012 season. Registration available online through http://www.charihogirlssoftball.com or in person at Dow Field.
Dow Field registrations will be held at the following times:
Saturday, February 11, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Wednesday, February 15, 6-8 p.m.
Thursday, February 16, 6-8 p.m.
Saturday, February 18, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Deadline to register for the 2012 season is March 1st!

There will be a $10 charge for any late registrations.

Thursday, February 16, 6:30 pm

Chess Club for All Ages

All ages and all levels of experience are welcome to attend our Chess Club. Boards and mats will be provided.  Free.

Friday, February 17, 6:00 pm

Stargazing through Telescopes

62 Park Lane, Ninigret Park

Every Friday (Year-Round)

Frosty Drew Observatory is open at sunset for stargazing through 16″ and 10″ telescopes. When skies are overcast, there is a program in Sky Theatre

They open their dome and telescopes to the public free of charge shortly after dusk.

"See the stars, distant galaxies, shining nebulae, the planets and their moons, and maybe a passing comet through our big telescope every clear Friday night. We open as soon after dusk as possible allowing for the season. We usually remain open till everybody leaves or the astronomers have geeked out enough to call it a night."

Saturday, February 18, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm

Chariho Girls Softball Registration

Dow Field

Register NOW for the Chariho Girls Softball League 2012 Spring season!
Chariho Girls Softball League welcomes girls ages 5-18 to sign up for our spring 2012 season. Registration available online through http://www.charihogirlssoftball.com or in person at Dow Field.
Dow Field registrations will be held at the following times:
Saturday, February 11, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Wednesday, February 15, 6-8 p.m.
Thursday, February 16, 6-8 p.m.
Saturday, February 18, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Deadline to register for the 2012 season is March 1st!

There will be a $10 charge for any late registrations.

Saturday, February 18, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm

Map and Compassing Basics

Kettle Pond Visitor Center, Charlestown

This course will cover the basic operation and use of the map and compass. We will discuss navigating by compass alone, navigating by map alone, and navigating using a map and compass together. We will also discuss how a GPS can be used to provide additional information. Those attending are encouraged to bring their own maps and compass. There will be a Question and Answer session after the presentation.
Jim Cole, USFWS Volunteer

Saturday, February 18, 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm

AARP Tax Help

Need help filing your income tax return? Meet with representatives from AARP for free assistance in the Champlin Room of the library. No appointment necessary. Free.

Saturday, February 18, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

General Astronomy Class

62 Park Lane, Ninigret Park

Observatory Director Francine Jackson will take you on the path through history to the current theories of our planet's motion in space; meet our neighbors the planets and other objects in our solar system; and discover individual stars, clusters, and galaxies found in our universe. No knowledge of the subject is needed

Where: Frosty Drew Sky Theater
When: Saturdays Feb 4 - Feb 18, 2012 2:00-4:00pm
Cost: $36 for all three sessions

Pre-registration is required. To register, send your name, address, phone number, and a check, payable to:
Frosty Drew Memorial Fund, to P.O. Box 160, Charlestown, RI 02813.
For further information, contact Frosty Drew at: 401.364.9508 or email us at astronomer@frostydrew.org

Monday, February 20, 10:30 am to 11:15 am

Reading and Nature

Kettle Pond Visitor Center, Charlestown

Designed as a story time for pre-school aged youth, this activity is sure to be great fun for the youngest naturalists among us. Join volunteer Helen Johnson to explore nature using the five senses. Then, after reading, take part in other fun activities including finger plays, arts and crafts, movement and more - this month we'll be exploring frogs, fish and ponds!

Helen Johnson, USFWS Volunteer

Tuesday, February 21, 10:00 am

February Vacation Walk

Francis C. Carter Preserve (former UNC property)

Woodland scavenger hunts are always fun, no matter the season. We’ll look for animal tracks and other signs of nature on the move, even in winter. Meet at the parking lot on Route 112.

All of our guided nature walks are free. To register, please call Tim Mooney at (401) 529-1072.

More about Francis C. Carter Memorial Preserve

Thursday, February 23, 8:00 am to 9:00 am

Ease into Yoga

An introduction to yoga class for any one and every one. Bring a yoga mat or a towel. Led by Cathy Hill. Please register by calling 401-364-6211 or email nancy@crossmills.org. Free.

Thursday, February 23, 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

AARP Tax Help

Need help filing your income tax return? Meet with representatives from AARP for free assistance in the Champlin Room of the library. No appointment necessary. Free.

Thursday, February 23, 6:30 pm

Chess Club for All Ages

All ages and all levels of experience are welcome to attend our Chess Club. Boards and mats will be provided.  Free.

Friday, February 24, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Traversing Through Trustom

Trustom Pond NWR, South Kingstown

It’s the Friday of school vacation week and everyone is itching to get outside of the house - how about taking a walk at the Trustom Pond NWR? Join Volunteer Sally Hanson for a great wildlife walk around the Refuge. Use some of the skills learned in the first Birding for Beginners program and, if you missed the first class, all of you amateur birders can brush up your skills for the next session of Birding for Beginners. For this walk, please meet in the Trustom Pond Contact Station parking lot. The walk begins promptly at 10:00.
Sally Hanson, USFWS Volunteer

Friday, February 24, 6:00 pm

Star Gazing

62 Park Lane, Ninigret Park

Every Friday (Year-Round)

Frosty Drew Observatory is open every Friday for stargazing through 16″ and 10″ telescopes. When skies are overcast, there is a program in Sky Theatre

They open their dome and telescopes to the public free of charge shortly after dusk in the summer or at 6 p.m. in the winter.

"See the stars, distant galaxies, shining nebulae, the planets and their moons, and maybe a passing comet through our big telescope every clear Friday night. We open as soon after dusk as possible allowing for the season. We usually remain open till everybody leaves or the astronomers have geeked out enough to call it a night."

Saturday, February 25, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Connecting With Nature Through the Arts

Kettle Pond Visitor Center, Charlestown

Create your own crafts, using mainly recycled materials, while learning about wildlife.
Shannon Griffith and Rachel Schilke, USFWS Volunteers

Saturday, February 25, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Birding for Beginners – Size and Silhouettes

Trustom Pond NWR, South Kingstown

Sometimes when birding you only catch a glimpse of a silhouette, and then it’s gone. During this installment of Birding for Beginners, participants will learn how to identify birds according to things like size, wing shape, and flight pattern. Some ID guides and binoculars will be available.
Shannon Griffith, USFWS Volunteer

Saturday, February 25, 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm

AARP Tax Help

Need help filing your income tax return? Meet with representatives from AARP for free assistance in the Champlin Room of the library. No appointment necessary. Free.

Monday, February 27, 10:30 am to 11:15 am

Reading and Nature

Kettle Pond Visitor Center, Charlestown

Designed as a story time for pre-school aged youth, this activity is sure to be great fun for the youngest naturalists among us. Join volunteer Helen Johnson to explore nature using the five senses. Then, after reading, take part in other fun activities including finger plays, arts and crafts, movement and more - this month we'll be exploring frogs, fish and ponds
Helen Johnson, USFWS Volunteer

Thursday, March 1, 8:00 am to 9:00 am

Ease into Yoga

An introduction to yoga class for any one and every one. Bring a yoga mat or a towel. Led by Cathy Hill. Please register by calling 401-364-6211 or email nancy@crossmills.org. Free.

Thursday, March 1, 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

AARP Tax Help

Need help filing your income tax return? Meet with representatives from AARP for free assistance in the Champlin Room of the library. No appointment necessary. Free.

Friday, March 2, 6:00 pm

See the stars and distant galaxies

62 Park Lane, Ninigret Park

Every Friday (Year-Round)

Frosty Drew Observatory is open at sunset for stargazing through 16″ and 10″ telescopes. When skies are overcast, there is a program in Sky Theatre

They open their dome and telescopes to the public free of charge shortly after dusk.

"See the stars, distant galaxies, shining nebulae, the planets and their moons, and maybe a passing comet through our big telescope every clear Friday night. We open as soon after dusk as possible allowing for the season. We usually remain open till everybody leaves or the astronomers have geeked out enough to call it a night."

Saturday, March 3, 9:00 am

BIRDING WALK #2

Join WPWA and Roger Masse for a late winter walk at a national wildlife refuge in Charlestown, RI on gentle trails to search for birds. Exact location will be announced prior to the event

Pre-registration required, with preference given to those who attended the January 21 Program.
Participants must have binoculars. Field Guides optional.
Please consider a donation for this free event.

For More Information Contact: Danielle Aube: danielle@wpwa.org

Saturday, March 3, 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm

AARP Tax Help

Need help filing your income tax return? Meet with representatives from AARP for free assistance in the Champlin Room of the library. No appointment necessary. Free.

Thursday, March 8, 8:00 am to 9:00 am

Ease into Yoga

An introduction to yoga class for any one and every one. Bring a yoga mat or a towel. Led by Cathy Hill. Please register by calling 401-364-6211 or email nancy@crossmills.org. Free.

Thursday, March 8, 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

AARP Tax Help

Need help filing your income tax return? Meet with representatives from AARP for free assistance in the Champlin Room of the library. No appointment necessary. Free.

Friday, March 9, 6:00 pm

See the stars and distant galaxies

62 Park Lane, Ninigret Park

Every Friday (Year-Round)

Frosty Drew Observatory is open for stargazing through 16″ and 10″ telescopes. When skies are overcast, there is a program in Sky Theatre

They open their dome and telescopes to the public free of charge shortly after dusk in the summer or at 6 p.m. in the winter.

"See the stars, distant galaxies, shining nebulae, the planets and their moons, and maybe a passing comet through our big telescope every clear Friday night. We open as soon after dusk as possible allowing for the season. We usually remain open till everybody leaves or the astronomers have geeked out enough to call it a night."

Saturday, March 10, 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm

AARP Tax Help

Need help filing your income tax return? Meet with representatives from AARP for free assistance in the Champlin Room of the library. No appointment necessary. Free.

Saturday, March 24, 8:00 am

BIRDING WALK #3

Join WPWA and Roger Masse for an early spring walk at a management area in the watershed for an easy walk to search for birds.

Exact location will be announced prior to the event

Pre-registration required, with preference given to those who attended the January 21 Program.

Please consider a donation for this free event.
Participants must have binoculars. Field Guides optional.

For More Information Contact: Danielle Aube: danielle@wpwa.org

Saturday, April 14, 8:00 am

BIRDING WALK #4

Join WPWA and Roger Masse for an easy walk on the Carolina South trail in the Carolina Management to search for birds.

Exact location will be announced prior to the event

Pre-registration required, with preference given to those who attended the January 21 Program.

Please consider a donation for this free event.
Participants must have binoculars. Field Guides optional.

For More Information Contact: Danielle Aube: danielle@wpwa.org

Saturday, May 5, 8:00 am

BIRDING WALK #5

Join WPWA and Roger Masse for the last walk in the series at a management area in the watershed for an easy walk to search for birds.

Exact location will be announced prior to the event

Pre-registration required, with preference given to those who attended the January 21 Program.

Please consider a donation for this free event.
Participants must have binoculars. Field Guides optional.

For More Information Contact: Danielle Aube: danielle@wpwa.org

Thursday, May 10, 6:00 pm

Map and Compass Workshop

Do you like to get out and explore, but worry about your skills to find your way back? Join WPWA and the Narragansett Chapter of the AMC for a two-part course (Thursday evening for 2 hours and Saturday day for 6 hours) that will teach how to read and understand maps and use a compass correctly. At the end of this course participants should feel more comfortable with their abilities to plan routes and come out safely. Safe hiking tips will be included.

This first part is a two hour indoor classroom section to learn the basics of map reading and taking compass bearings. The location is TBA.
Saturday's section will be conducted at Arcadia Management Area in Exeter. The morning session will allow participants to practice their new skills and learn other details about taking and using compass bearings. After lunch they will research and then follow a bushwhack route through the woods.

Instructors include experienced Northern Hikes Leaders from AMC. Participants should bring a declinated compass. Maps will be provided for Sat.
Registration for this date includes registration for Sat. Participants should plan to attend both dates.
Contact Denise with any questions.

Price: $20.00/person (adult or child)

For More Information Contact: Denise Poyer: denisep@wpwa.org, 401-539-9017

Saturday, May 12, 9:00 am

Map and Compass Workshop Field Day

This is the second part of the Map and Compass Workshop, conducted entirely outdoors at the Arcadia Management Area, from 9 am to 3 pm. Participants register for both on Thursday, May 10. Bring declinated compass, orange vests or hats, daypack, lunch, water, insect repellent and sunscreen. Dress for the weather. We do this rain or shine.

For More Information Contact: The WPWA Office: info@wpwa.org, (401) 539-9017